Search starts for Wales’ next Older People’s Commissioner

Created by the Welsh Government in 2008, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales is the independent voice and champion for older people aged 60 and over across Wales. The Commissioner’s work is driven by what older people say matters most to them, and ensures their voices are at the heart of all the commissioner does.

The Older People’s Commissioner:

• promotes awareness of the rights and interests of older people in Wales
• challenges discrimination against older people in Wales
• encourages best practice in the treatment of older people in Wales
• reviews the law affecting the interests of older people in Wales.

The Commissioner has a wide range of legal powers to help deliver the change older people want and need to see.

The current commissioner, Sarah Rochira, was appointed in June 2012 for a four year term. Her term of office was extended last year for a further two years, and comes to an end in June 2018.  

The Welsh Government is now inviting applications from people interested in becoming Wales’ third Older People’s Commissioner. The closing date is 13 October 2017.

Following a full public appointments exercise, which will involve representatives of older people, it is expected a new commissioner will be appointed by the First Minister of Wales in spring 2018 for an initial four year term, with the new commissioner starting in the role in June 2018.

Social Services Minister, Rebecca Evans said:

“Wales was the first country in the UK to establish an Older People’s Commissioner, to help ensure we’re a country where older people are respected, valued, listened to and supported to lead safe and happy lives.  

“The Welsh Government attaches great importance to the role, and I look forward to receiving applications from a broad range of high calibre applicants who are interested in making a real difference to the lives of older people in Wales.”